Nagaland: Darogapathar village seals 15 liquor outlets, destroys seized stock amid prohibition debate

DIMAPUR — Questioning the effectiveness of the state’s enforcement machinery in implementing liquor prohibition, the Darogapathar Village Council (DVC) has carried out a series of raids within its jurisdiction, sealing multiple illegal outlets and seizing liquor worth an estimated INR 2 lakh.

According to the council, the operations were conducted on November 22, 24 and the 26th by DVC members along with youth and business organisations, under the supervision of the Goanburas.

Reports stated that 15 illegal liquor outlets were sealed during the coordinated efforts.

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The seized consignment was destroyed on Friday at 2½ Mile, Dimapur, in the presence of officials from the district administration.

The chairman of DVC Ato Bizo said that the council had issued prior notification two months earlier, warning against sale of liquor and asking house owners not to accommodate individuals engaged in the trade.

He questioned the state government—particularly the Excise department and police—over what he described as their failure to enforce the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act. The council, he said, was compelled to step in after authorities failed to carry out their assigned duty.

The destruction comes at a time when the debate on lifting the NLTP Act has intensified, led by the Naga Council Dimapur and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation.